Is ear soreness from cartilage grafting normal 5 years post rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Question

5 years ago, I had a rhinoplasty where the surgeon used a graft from the cartilage on the back of my right ear. My ear still hurts! Not all the time, but when the scar is pressed, my ear is bumped, or when I wake up from sleeping on that side. 1) Is this normal? It's an unexpected result I would not have expected from a rhinoplasty. 2) Can anything be done to fix it? Or will further surgery make it more sensitive? 3) Would this be something I should expect my surgeon to address?

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Donor site pain from the ear definitely can happen.  It can be some scar tissue, a stitch or a nerve irritation.  Consider getting a consultation in person- you really have to take a look and feel of the area.  Definitely talk to your surgeon as there may be a simple explanation/solution.  Best Wishes!!

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A neuroma is a scar of nerve tissue that typically forms on sensory nerves after an injury to such nerves. I would recommend for you to follow up with your surgeon.

Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS · Answer

Although uncommon, pain and sensitivity can develop and be present long term after any kind of surgery, including at the donor site of ear cartilage harvest. A neuroma is a scar of nerve tissue that typically forms on sensory nerves after an injury to such nerves. Neuromas can occur after surgical procedures as well. A treatment option is injection of steroids such as kenalog.Best wishes,Thomas Walker, MD, FACS

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and sharing your photos. Scar tissue can become sensitive and tender at times. It is also possible to have an injured nerve or a nerve trapped in scar tissue that over time turns into a neuroma and sensitive to touch. Have your plastic surgeon take a look. You might benefit from local injection of Kenalog. Best,
Pejman
Aflaki, M.D.
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

At the donor site a nerve can develop scar tissue which acts like a neuroma and can be very sensitive for a long time. It can be injected with steroid to reduce the scarring which usually improves the sensitivity. RegardsDr. J

Is ear soreness from cartilage grafting normal 5 years post rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Answers (5)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Is ear soreness from cartilage grafting normal 5 years post rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Answers (5)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

What are symptoms of rhinoplasty resorption?

Will a rhinoplasty be able to remove the pit shape? If not then how?

Can you offer information on the recovery process as I have fear due to anxiety?